Baked Oat and Fruit Energy Balls
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (100g)
10g raisins
25g cranberries
40g nuts (chopped)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 banana (mashed)
100g yogurt
Water (as needed to reach the right consistency)
Coconut flakes (for rolling the balls)
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, raisins, cranberries, chopped nuts, sesame seeds, and baking powder.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the banana and mix in the yogurt. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water until you reach a sticky but formable consistency.
Shape the mixture into balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball in coconut flakes to coat the outside.
Bake: Place the balls on the lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool and serve: Let the balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a healthy snack or breakfast treat!
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or nut butter for extra flavor.
Pair with a smoothie or a cup of coffee for a filling snack.
Cooking Tips:
You can swap the banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree if you want a different flavor.
Feel free to substitute cranberries and raisins with any other dried fruits like chopped dates or apricots.
For a crunchier texture, toast the nuts before adding them to the mix.
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Nutritional Benefits:
High in Fiber: Thanks to the oats, raisins, and cranberries, these energy balls support healthy digestion.
Rich in Healthy Fats: Nuts and sesame seeds provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.
Natural Sweetness: The banana and dried fruits naturally sweeten the recipe, avoiding the need for added sugars.
Protein Boost: The yogurt adds a source of protein, making these energy balls a balanced snack.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian
Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based yogurt.
Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crisp texture